The Transformers, Issue 47: Shattered Glass, Chapter Four

MIRRORS ON THE WALL

    (What is this, Snow White?)

    (At Axiom Nexus, Tomahawk and co. follow ROTF Brawn out of the Blue Deployer)

    Tomahawk: So, uh... care filling us in about this place, Brawn?

    ROTF Brawn: Sure. What do ya wanna know?

    Tomahawk: Er, perhaps what this place even is, for starters.

    [EXPOSITION ALERT!]

    ROTF Brawn: When Primus formed Cybertron, Axiom Nexus was the first city ever built. It served as a means for universes to come together. Here, there is no war, only Axiom Nexus. It's first -- and so far only ruler -- is Axiom Prime. The first inhabitants, the TransTechs, are the first race of Transformers.

    ROTF Brawn (cont.): Anyways, there are multiple divisions. The main ones are military, science, and intelligence. Current head of military is High Commander Teratron; for science, Minister Laserwave; and intelligence, Director Ulchtar. And... that about sums it up.

    ROTF Brawn (cont.): So, anythin' else? Make it quick, Prime needs me soon.

    Tomahawk: I... think that's all we need.

    ROTF Brawn: Good. I'll catch ya later.

    (Meanwhile, Terradive and Oil Pan visit Axiom Prison)

    Receptionist: May I help you?

    Terradive: Yes, I would like to make a formal request for prisoners from Primax Omega to be released. [That's now how you bail someone out]

    Receptionist: Please wait while I patch you to Security Director-- [THAT'S NOT HOW YOU BAIL SOMEONE OUT]

    (Terradive then stabs the receptionist through the head with his trident)

    Terradive: That'll do. Oil Pan, now!

    (Oil Pan opens the cell containing Thunderwing, Deathsaurus, and the other Decepticons)

    Terradive: Gentlebots... if you may. FOR MEGATRON!

    (Suddenly, Shockwave appears behind him! Zoinks!)

    Shockwave: I thought I told you "no."

    Thunderwing: SHOCKWAVE?!

    Shockwave: I have no use for you.

    Thunderwing: Likewise, I believe. Decepticons, attack!

    (On SG Cybertron, Hawkeye and the rest of the team reach the Kalis fortress)

    Stakeout (HE SHOULD BE AT AXIOM NEXUS ARGH): Is that Kalis up ahead?

    Steelshot (HE'S HERE TOO?): Uh, I thought Polyhex was the only "smelting" area.

    Hawkeye: Apparently not.

    (Inside the fortress)

    SG Blitzwing: How's it goin', Astrotrain?

    SG Astrotrain: Been better.

    SG Brainstorm: Boom boom.

    SG Chromedome: About time you got here, Brainstorm.

    SG Skywarp: Hang on, guys! (He firest at the Autobots, only to get his head blown off)

    SG Scourge: FOR SKYWARP!

    (The 'Cons then slaughter the Autobots (some things never change) before reaching Fortress Maximus)

    SG Scourge: You shall pay for killing all those innocents!

    SG Fortress Maximus: And you avenge them by killing others yourself? You Decepticons are quite hypocritical.

    SG Scourge: You... you're monsters. Torturing, killing innocents for sports. You don't deserve to live!

    SG Fortress Maximus: Careful what you say, Decepticon. (As he says this, Pointblank approaches Scourge from behind) You might regret it.

    ???: Say that again, Maximus?

    SG Fortress Maximus: MEGATRON?! [The cavalry is here!]

    SG Megatron: I didn't quite catch that.

    (Meanwhile, in Crystal City, Soundwave and Bludgeon reach the portal Tomahawk and co. went through)

    SG Bludgeon: Hey, partner! Over there!

    SG Soundwave: So this is what's breakin' our groove.

    SG Bludgeon: Can I touch it?

    SG Soundwave: Uh, Bludgeon--

    (Guess what? Bludgeon touches it and goes through the portal)

    (Back at Axiom Nexus, Tomahawk and co. witness the breakout at Axiom Prison)

    Tomahawk: What's going on there?

    RID Prowl: Stand back. This is Axiom Security Business--

    (Suddenly, a Decepticon comes cruising out of the prison!)

    Crankstart: Yee-haw! Nobody escapes Crankstart!

    (Tomahawk fires at him but misses. Then ROTF Brawn comes in and shoots Crankstart's head off)

    Tomahawk: I had it handled.

    ROTF Brawn: No you didn't. Let's get out of here.

    (He then takes them to the Widow's Cafe. While he leaves to get drinks...)

    Tomahawk: We gotta get home. 

    Firetrap: Yeah, there's nothin' here. [So you're admitting that this was a huge waste of time?]

    (Suddenly, SG Bludgeon emerges from the portal (which is somehow in the cafe?) and aims his guns at the Autobots)

    SG Bludgeon: AUTOBOTS! Wait an astro-shootin' second. You're those "good" Autobots. You came through that portal?

    Tomahawk: Yes we did!

    (Then they all go through the portal -- which they could have done earlier -- and end up back on SG Cybertron)

    Tomahawk: All right, now let's find Hawkeye and-- slag.

    (SG Blurr and Sideswipe are standing there with the guns aimed at them)

    SG Blurr: Well, aren't we lucky?

    (At the Kalis fortress)

    Skyburst: Think we should help?

    (An Autobot arms lands at Hawkeye's feet) Hawkeye: Nah.

    (Then the Decepticons appear before them)

    SG Scourge: Oh... who are you?

    Hawkeye: Off-worlders.

    SG Scourge: Ah, friends of Breakaway? 

    Hawkeye: Yup.

    SG Scourge: Then come with me.

    Steelshot: Er, want me to carry yer dead? [There are better ways of asking that]

    SG Scourge: Sure.

    (After a brief scene at the Autobot base which shows Bludgeon, and Tomahawk and co. as prisoners about to be executed, we cut back to the Decepticon base where a funeral is being held for Skywarp)

    SG Megatron: Today, we honor Skywarp, a great warrior. We salute you, old friend. Farewell. Now we must avenge his death and--

    SG Cyclonus: FOR THE MASTER!

    (Suddenly, Cyclonus whips out his gun and shoots Megatron in the back! Oh noes!)

    To be continued

FEATURED CHARACTERS

    Autobots: ROTF Brawn, Double Clutch, Firetrap, Hawkeye, RID Prowl, Skyburst, Stakeout, Steelshot, Tomahawk

    Decepticons: Crankstart, Cyclonus, Deathsaurus, Oil Pan, Scourge, Shockwave, Soundwave, Terradive, Thunderwing

    SG Autobots: Blurr, Brainstorm, Chromedome, Fortress Maximus, Optimus Prime, Perceptor, Pointblank, Sideswipe, Wheeljack

    SG Decepticons: Astrotrain, Blitzwing, Bludgeon, Cyclonus, Megatron, Scourge, Skywarp, Soundwave, Starscream

The Transformers, Issue 46: Shattered Glass, Chapter Three

REFLECTIONS

    (We open on SG Cybertron, with Skywarp flying over an Autobot fortress in Kalis)

    SG Scourge (over comm): Anything, Skywarp?

    SG Skywarp: Uh, other than a giant smelting pool?

    (Hiding around a corner is Scourge and a group of Decepticon)

    SG Scourge: That bad, huh?

    SG Skywarp (over comm): Yup.

    SG Scourge: Blitzwing, Astrotrain, scout ahead.

    SG Blitzwing: All right! (He and Astrotrain transform and head out) Choo-choo!

    SG Astrotrain: Shut it.

    (Inside the Kalis fortress, a Decepticon dangles over a smelting pool)

    SG Decepticon: Please! Have mercy!

    SG Fortress Maximus: Mercy? No... only death.

    (He then severs the chain holding the 'Con and lets them plummet into the pool of molten metal. An Autobot then approaches him from behind)

    SG Hardhead: Sir?

    SG Fortress Maximus: What is it, Hardhead?

    SG Hardhead: Highbrow has reported five Decepticon in the vicinity.

    SG Fortress Maximus: Then kill them.

    SG Hardhead: But, sir... we don't know where they are.

    SG Fortress Maximus: Then find them and kill them. [Yeah, seems obvious to me]

    (Outside, Blitzwing and Astrotrain send out the Mini-Con/Micromaster Tailwind to fly over the smelting pool. Down below, Highbrow is scouting around)

    SG Highbrow: Ha. No slaggin 'Cons around for transmeters. [Weren't you the one who reported their presence in the first place]

    (Anyway, Tailwind appears behind him and shoots him in the head, presumably killing him. Blitzwing and Astrotrain then hop up)

    SG Blitzwing: Let's get 'em, Thomas! [How would he know about Thomas the Tank Engine?] (He then sees Autobots throwing people into the smelting pool) Oh, slag...

    SG Blitzwing (over comm): Scourge, there's, like, lots of Autobots here.

    SG Scourge: Hm. I've got a bad feeling....

    (Meanwhile, at Crystal City...)

    Hawkeye: Let's camp out here.

    (Steelshot shoots at the ground)

    Skyburst: What are you doing?

    Steelshot: Making a camp fire. (He sits in front of it) Humans do this to make them warm.

    Skyburst: Steelshot... we're robots. We don't need warmth.

    Steelshot: ...Oh.

    Stakeout (looking around the ruined, decrepit city): This place gives me the creeps. The real Crystal City was beautiful, but this is--

    Tomahawk: Bad.

    (The Autobots gather to see what he's find: a circular gateway)

    Hawkeye: What is that?

    Tomahawk: I dunno. Some kinda portal?

    Firetrap: What does it do? (He presses a button like any other idiot)

    Hawkeye: Firetrap, don't--!

    (A portal appears in the gateway) Firetrap: Ahh!

    Tomahawk: Maybe we should check this out. It might help us.

    Steelshot: How do you know it won't kill us.

    Hawkeye: We'll have to risk it. [That's smart] Tomahawk, take Firetrap and Stakeout into the portal. [So very smart] 

    (The three Autobots go through the portal while Hawkeye wishes them luck)

    (At the main Autobot fortress....)

    SG Goldbug: Er... Lord Prime? The off-worlders have escaped.

    SG Optimus Prime: Really? Apparently, like Drench, you are a failure. (He bears his sword and turns to use it on Goldbug)

    SG Goldbug: P-please, my lord. Give me one last chance!

    (O.P. grabs Goldbug by the neck) SG Optimus Prime: You've had your chances!

    (Just then, Hot Rod walks in!) SG Hot Rod: My lord? Fortress Maximus' fortress at Kalis is under siege.

    (O.P. tosses Goldbug aside) SG Optimus Prime: Send Prowl and Autotroopers to Kalis.

    (Meanwhile, at the Decepticon base in Kaon....)

    SG Scourge (on screen): Blitzwing and Astrotrain have infiltrated the Kalis fortress.

    SG Megatron: Excellent. If Fort Max is defeated, we'll be one step closer to winning this war. [Don't ask me how taking out Fort Max makes winning the war easier. I hate this dialogue]

    SG Shockwave: Uh, Megatron? I've found something. (On the viewscreen, he shows the portal Tomahawk and others went through) This portal has been interfering with all Cybertronian communications.

    SG Megatron: Hm. Soundwave, Bludgeon, go investigate.

    (The two transform and head out, going "Awesome!" and "Yee-haw!" respectively)

    (Back at Kalis)

    SG Chromedome: This is Chromedome! Two Decepticons have infiltrated us!

    (Astrotrain and Blitzwing are hiding behind cover)

    SG Astrotrain: Have any bright ideas?

    SG Blitzwing: I might. Though you might wanna cover your audio receptors.

    (Prowl and the Autotroopers arrive and Chromedome points them in the right direction. At that moment, Blitzwing jumps out in tank mode and fires at them, creating a loud BANG! The Autobots return fire)

    SG Blitzwing: I'm good. [Dude, they're firing at you!]

    SG Astrotrain: Tailwind, take out the comms. Scourge, you're good to go.

    (Scourge and the rest of his team attack the fortress, taking out Hardhead. Crosshairs and Pointblank head out to confront them and a big fight breaks out! ...And we don't get to see any of it)

    (Meanwhile, Tomahawk, Firetrap, and... Steelshot (I though it was Stakeout?) exit the other end of the portal into a magnificent city)

    Tomahawk: What is this place?

    Firetrap: It's amazing.

    (Suddenly, a yellow bot who looks suspiciously like TransTech Cheetor approaches them)

    TransTech Cheetor: Greetings. I am Security Administration Officer Cheetor. Welcome to Axiom Nexus. No Optimuses, no Megatrons, and absolutely no MacGuffins are allowed here.

    TransTech Silverbolt: Hmm. They don't look like Optimuses.

    TransTech Cheetor: And they have Autobot insignias, so they're definitely not Megatrons.

    TransTech Silverbolt: And I don't see any MacGuffins. [You didn't even search them, bird-brain!]

    TransTech Cheetor: Then you three are clear to go.

    (The trio head into the city and soon end up in a bar called The Blue Deployer)

    TransTech Cryotek: Welcome! I'm Cryotek! What would you like?

    Tomahawk: Uh, three glasses of Ankmor energon.

    TransTech Cryotek: Certainly!

    (The three get their drinks and sit at a table. Firetrap complains about being too short, but Tomahawk shushes him)

    Steelshot (should be Stakeout): Wow, this tastes good!

    Tomahawk: Quite.

    (An Autobot sitting near them turns in his seat) ???: Yer gonna love this place. I guarantee it.

    Tomahawk: Who are you?

    ROTF Brawn: Brawn of Tyran 909.06 Beta. I just learned that today. You've got everything here: friends, enemies, frienemies, everything! What else could a bot want?

    (Outside, Terradive and another 'Con are spying around)

    Terradive: Anything, Oil Pan?

    Oil Pan: Yup. They're here.

    (Nearby(?), Nightbeat tells someone to take the Decepticons from the Stockade to Axiom Prison)

    Oil Pan: Ah, slag. Time for plan B.

    Terradive: I am not getting involved with another jail break!

    Oil Pan: Who said we were gonna break them out? We'll just... negotiate.

    To be continued (I have no idea what that last scene was all about)

FEATURED CHARACTERS

   Autobots: ROTF Brawn, Double Clutch, Firetrap, Hawkeye, Nightbeat, Skyburst, Stakeout, Steelshot, Tomahawk

   Decepticons: Oil Pan, Terradive

   SG Autobots: Autotrooper, Chromedome, Crosshairs, Fortress Maximus, Goldbug, Hardhead, Highbrow, Hot Rod, Optimus Prime, Pointblank, Prowl

   SG Decepticons: Astrotrain, Blitzwing, Bludgeon, Cyclonus, Megatron, Scourge, Shockwave, Skywarp, Soundwave, Starscream, Tailwind

   TransTechs: Cheetor, Cryotek, Silverbolt

The Transformers, Issue 45: Shattered Glass, Chapter Two

DOUBLE MIRROR

    (We return to the "Prime Cybertron", which is now at peace with Megatron finally vanquished back in issue 43 and most of the Decepticons imprisoned. Omega Prime is now leader of the Autobots, with Optimus having retired and Rodimus sacrificing himself to destroy the Cybertronian Empire)

    (At Autobot HQ, Thunderclash approaches Omega Prime, who stands before a set of monitors)

    Thunderclash: We have sent Team Orion, sir.

    Omega Prime: Very good, Thunderclash. Nightwatch, Springer, take your teams to Torax and deal with any rogue 'Cons. (He then pauses for effect) ...Thunderclash?

    Thunderclash: Yes, sir?

    Omega Prime: Bring in the new one.

    (We then cut to later, where my totally-awesome-and-not-a-Gary-Stu-OC Hawkeye stands before Prime)

    Hawkeye: Elite Guard Captain Hawkeye, reporting, sir!

    Omega Prime: At ease. I have a mission for you. Ever since Breakaway's adventure [referring to issue 39, when the Shattered Glass universe first appeared], the space bridges have been acting strange. I've set up a team of new recruits to help you investigate this new recruits.

    Hawkeye: New... recruits? Sir, shouldn't I have, y'know, experienced teammates? [No, it's better to send inexperienced soldiers into an unknown dangerous reality. Them are the works]

    Omega Prime: Considering they're new, I thought this would be a great opportunity for them. [To what, get killed?] Don't worry, they're not all new. [We have to save some for the next dangerous mission] Since the mission requires it, you'll have a large team. Your team is waiting at the Space Bridge Nexus. Perceptor will inform you there.

    (Later, at the Space Bridge Nexus, Hawkeye arrives to meet the Autobot scientist)

    Hawkeye: Perceptor?

    Perceptor: Ah, Hawkeye. Your mission is to investigate this "alternate" Cybertron. [...That's exactly what Prime already told him]

    Hawkeye: So... I need a big team to search the entire planet? [I fail to understand why he would need to do that; it can't be that much different from their Cybertron]

    Perceptor: Yes. May I present Team Hawkeye?

    Hawkeye: Sure.

    (Enter Hawkeye's six teammates, all obscure characters from the Movie lines: Steelshot, Skyburst, Double Clutch, Stakeout, Tomahawk, and Firetrap. And without learning anything about these nobodies, the team jump through the space bridge.)

    (Back on SG Cybertron, Evil!Perceptor and Evil!Jetfire talk to Evil!Optimus Prime. Note, this is set after issue 43, when we last saw the SG Universe, while issue 44 was a flashback issue leading up to issue 39, when we first saw it)

    SG Perceptor: My lord, considering Project Omega failed, do you wish us to begin the next one?

    SG Optimus Prime: What did you have in mind?

    SG Perceptor: Well... (He produces a hologram of a suit of armor) We found this. It was originally going to be built for Sentinel Prime--

    SG Optimus Prime: Get to work!

    SG Perceptor: Yes, sir.

    (Meanwhile, Team Hawkeye exits the space bridge and end up on SG Cybertron, landing flat on their faces)

    Steelshot: Ow.

    Tomahawk: Yow, I have a processor-ache!

    (Suddenly, a patrol of Evil!Autotroopers appear!)

    SG Autotrooper #1: Halt. You are in an unauthorized area. You are to be taken into--

    (Steelshot cuts him off by shooting him down) Steelshot: Custody, my afterburner! [But he didn't even say "custody". He could've been about to say Disneyland or something.]

    Hawkeye: Steelshot, must you?

    SG Autotrooper #2: Officer Prowl!

    SG Prowl: Well, off-worlders... it seems you're playing with fire.

    SG Autotrooper #2: Unauthorized immigrants: to be stabilized.

    Hawkeye: Tomahawk, Skyburst, lead the others away.

    (Steelshot, however, has other plans and he blasts the other Autotrooper's head off. The Good Autobots then transform and roll/fly out)

    SG Prowl: They're getting away!

    (Back at the Autobot fortress, Goldbug speaks to Optimus over intercom)

    SG Goldbug: My lord, this is Goldbug. Seven unauthorized individuals have been spotted in Sector 1017.

    SG Optimus Prime: Why are you wasting my time? Pursue them!

    (On the other end, Goldbug orders his fellow Autobot cars to intercept Team Hawkeye)

    SG Goldbug: Blurr, Sideswipe, roll out!

    Steelshot: Uh oh. More glory seekers up ahead.

    (Blurr transforms and whips out his two guns) SG Blurr: Your deaths shall be slow... and painful.

    (Steelshot also transforms) Steelshot: Holy energon... you look like Blurr!

    SG Blurr: So you've heard of me.

    Steelshot: Yeah, but... you usually talk more... Blurr-y.

    SG Blurr: I don't. (He fires his gun, which Steelshot narrowly dodges)

    Steelshot: Yowza!

    (Stakeout and Double Clutch return fire)

    Stakeout: He's askin' for trouble, eh, Double Clutch?

    (Evil!Sideswipe fires at them while a Mini-Con deploys from his back)

    SG Whisper: I HEARD THAT! SAY THAT AGAIN! I DARE YA!

    Firetrap: Outta the way, youngsters! (He cocks his arm guns)

    Stakeout: Uh, Firetrap...

    Firetrap: Move it, kid! I may be small, but I'm tough! (He then fires pathetically tiny blaster bolts at the Evil!Autobots. He then gets shot down by a single blast from a newcomer)

    SG Blurr: About time you got here, Hot Rod.

    SG Hot Rod: Cut the chatter, Blurr. Let's finish them.

    SG Sideswipe: Wait. Shouldn't we interrogate them?

    SG Hot Rod: Hn....

    (While Sideswipe tries to convince Hot Rod to not kill them, Team Hawkeye flees. After rejecting Sideswipe's ideas with a punch to the face, he turns to finish off the Good!Autobots... only to find them gone. Needless to say, Roddy's not happy....)

    (Back in the Prime Universe, Nightbeat and Siren visit the Stockade, where some Decepticons are being held)

    Nightbeat (to a guard): Omega Prime's given me permission to speak with Prisoner TR64-1989.

    (The guard lets him into the cell, where a shackled Thunderwing sits)

    Nightbeat: Thunderwing, we need to talk.

    Thunderwing: Like I'd tell you anything.

    Nighbeat: I've spoken with every 'Con in this facility. You're the last one.

    Thunderwing: Pfft. Ask away. [Why did that convince him?]

    Nightbeat: Where is Shockwave? [Last seen in issue 30 when he and his forces mysteriously vanished]

    Thunderwing: Shockwave? What do you mean?

    Nightbeat: After that business with the Axiom, Shockwave has not been seen since. [Hey! I'll do the explaining to the readers!]

    Thunderwing: And how would I know?

    Siren: He's gotta point....

    Nightbeat: (sighs as he leaves the cell) Forget it. [So this was a huge waste of time, eh?]

    (After the two Autobots leave, we see that Thunderwing's cell is placed in between Deathsaurus' and Soundwave's cells)

    Deathsaurus: You tell him anything?

    Thunderwing: No.

    Deathsaurus: Good.

    Thunderwing: Yeah.

    Soundwave: Shut up.

    Thunderwing: ...Still can't believe they're sending us to Axiom Nexus. [Well that was a needless tangent]

    (Elsewhere, we see a mysterious yellow optic in the midst of a monologue. I'm going to spoil it now and say that it's Shockwave. Who else would it be?)

    Shockwave: They are so naive... so foolish. No matter how many planets they search... they will never find us.

    Terradive: So... what do we do, free the others?

    Shockwave: While it would strengthen our numbers... no. Megatron's crew, along with Deathsaurus, Thunderwing, and so forth, are weak. Gather the others. Be prepared. [Jeremy Irons as Shockwave... you know, that would be pretty cool.]

    Terradive: And you?

    Shockwave: I shall speak with the leader of this city....

    To be continued

FEATURED CHARACTERS

    Autobots: Double Clutch, Firetrap, Hawkeye, Jetfire, Nightbeat, Nightwatch, Omega Prime, Perceptor, Siren, Skyburst, Springer, Stakeout, Steelshot, Thunderclash, Tomahawk

    Decepticons: Deathsaurus, Shockwave, Soundwave, Terradive, Thunderwing

    SG Autobots: Autotroopers, Blurr, Goldbug, Hot Rod, Jetfire, Optimus Prime, Perceptor, Prowl, Sideswipe, Whisper

The Transformers, Issue 44: Shattered Glass, Chapter One

Well, it only took two years, but I'm back doing scripts of my old sucky TF comics. To see the previous ones, click here.

FIRST SHARD

    (As the name of the story arc suggests, this is set in the Shattered Glass universe, established back in issue 39. We see evil Autobots decapitating innocent Decepticons because they're the bad guys. According to the oh-so-epic narrator, Cybertron is ruled by Sentinel Prime and thus the last place you'd ever want to be. So, yeah.)

    (We open at an Autobot Training Camp, where an unnamed boot camp sergeant is talking to Optronix, Dion, Elita-One, and Magnus).

    Sarge: You are here to become Autobots. Nothing else. If you fail... you'll be left for the Sharkticons. You're main task is to kill these sentinel drones... without hesitation. [That's... not much of a challenge to be evil since these drones are sentient. It would make more sense if they were executing captured Decepticons or something] Understood?

    (The trainees all bear their weapons)

    Magnus: Yeh.

    (They all violently destroy the drones while the sarge drinks some tea. After lots and lots of carnage....)

    Sarge: Are you done?

    Magnus: Yup.

    (We see the mess they made. Seriously, who cares? They're just drones!)

    Sarge: Good. [Bah, what do I know?]

    (Days later, the trainees stand before the sarge again)

    Sarge: All right, you've got your places. Optronix, Magnus, you're now Elite Guard material.

    Magnus: Awesome.

    Sarge: Elita-One, you're part of Arcee's Archer Force.

    Elita-One: *cackles*

    Sarge: Dion, you're--

    Dion: (excitedly) An Elite Guardsman?!

    Sarge: No. Dock worker and whipping boy. You're too dangerous around here. You'll scare the livestock. [You're bad guys; isn't that the point?] Get out of my sight.

    (Growling, Dion transforms and drives off. Later, at the High Council Chamber, two Councilors address a mysterious figure)

    Avalon: Are you sure of this, Old One? About Optronix?

    Old One: I am sure, Avalon. Sentinel Prime is naive, since he's ruled for a millennium. 

    Avalon: And Optronix is different... how? [...uh, he hasn't ruled for any amount of time?]

    Old One: You shall see, Avalon. You shall see....

    (Meanwhile, in Kalis, two civilians flee from the Autobots)

    Darklight: Run, Tronion!

    (A purple blade flies through the air and impales Darklight)

    Tronion: Darklight!

    Prowl: Hardhead, Brawn, get him!

    (Up ahead, Starscream and Soundwave wave Tronion over to a shelter)

    Starscream: Tronion, in here!

    (Hardhead transforms and fires at Tronion as he gets inside. However, Soundwave puts up a shield, blocking the Autobots out. Inside, the Decepticons huddle together.)

    Starscream: What do we do?!

    Soundwave: Dunno. [That's helpful]

    Tronion: We have to fight back.

    Starscream: Fight back?! Are you crazy?!

    Tronion: Maybe I am, but we can't cower in fear and do nothing. We can't let this happen!

    Starscream: So... what do we do? Do we have a plan?

    Tronion: I think I do....

    (We then cut to the Polyhex Weapons Factory, where two Autobot Troopers stand guard. Around the corner is a team of Decepticons led by Straxus)

    Tronion (over comm): You know the drill, Straxus.

    Straxus: Sure do. (He then jumps around the corner and waves in front of the Autotroopers) RUN AWAY! RABID SHARKTICONS!

    Autotrooper #1: There aren't any Sharkticons in Polyhex.

    Straxus: Er... would you like a poem? 

    Autotrooper #2: Make it quick, slaghead. [Even when they're supposed to be bad, Autobots can be easy going]

    (While Straxus gives his poem, the other Decepticons sneak into the weapons facility and take a cache of weapons)

    Straxus: Little Wheelbot wanted plans. Believe him, the others did not. Went to Darkmount, little Wheelbot did, where death was dispensed, not mercy. There he got the plans, but get captured he did. Ruler of Darkmount was mad, so killed little Wheelbot he did. No one remembered little Wheelbot, so all was well.

    Autotrooper #2: Right.

    Autotrooper #1: Get outta here. [Boy, what a bunch of idiots]

    (So, back at the Decepticon base, the gang starts unpacking the weapons)

    Soundwave: Heh, those guards must've been in stasis mode. 

    Ramjet: What do we do with these mods?

    Tronion: Simple. (He then arms himself with wings and guns. The other Decepticons do the same, already eager to get back at their tyrannical rulers)

    (Meanwhile, in Iacon, Perceptor approaches Sentinel Prime)

    Perceptor: Er... my lord?

    Sentinel Prime: What is it, Perceptor?

    Perceptor: We have begun Project: Omega. However, Arcee has not yet found the codes yet.

    Sentinel Prime: No matter. We shall take our time on this. There's nothing out there that can threaten us.

    (We cut to outside, where Soundwave is eavesdropping. D'oh!)

    Thundercracker: Anything, Soundwave?

    Soundwave: Yeah. They're planning something called Project: Omega. I'll send Laserbeak in to investigate.

    ???: I don't think so.

    (Suddenly, Magnus appears behind him and cocks his gun at his head)

    Magnus: You traitors ain't eavesdroppin' when Magnus is around!

    Soundwave: Thundercracker, are the charges set?

    Thundercracker: Yup.

    (The charges go off and consume Magnus in flames. The heroic Decepticons cheer at his suffering. However, Magnus is not out yet and he lumbers towards them.)

    Soundwave: Uh oh.

    Thundercracker: Do we have anymore charges?

    Soundwave: We have this! (He throws a thermal detonator at Magnus, blowing the Autobot away. After high-fiving each other (our heroes, everyone), they return to base while the other Autobots recover Magnus' skeletal remains).

    (At Kaon...)

    Soundwave: We've got something, boss.

    Tronion: Great. Let's hear it.

    (Soundwave turns into his media player form and plays back Sentinel Prime and Perceptor's conversation. Once it's done playing, Soundwave returns to robot mode)

    Soundwave: So... what do we do?

    Tronion: I have an idea. You know the Trypticon Prison?

    Soundwave: Yeah...?

    Tronion: It could use some improvement.

    Soundwave: Uh, Tronion? You do know the Autobots will find you if you keep using your current name. [1: That is completely irrelevant to the topic at hand. 2: It doesn't matter what name Tronion uses, they already know what he looks like because we saw the Autobots chasing him earlier! It makes no difference.]

    Tronion: Oh, I've thought of an alias... Megatron. [What a twist]

    (In Iacon, Sentinel Prime hangs around evilly in a room with Optronix standing guard. Perceptor and Ratchet enter the room).

    Perceptor: Arcee has returned with the codes. [That didn't take long]

    Sentinel Prime: Excellent.

    Ratchet: And Magnus is in the repair center.

    Sentinel Prime: So I've heard. Soon, not only will all of Cybertron bow before me, but so shall the galaxy! And then, the universe! I shall finish what Nova Prime started, [Oh, hai, Kylo Ren] and mold the universe into our im--

    (Suddenly, Optronix raises his axe and cuts Sentinel's arm off!)

    Sentinel Prime: What?! What is the meaning of this?! Answer me!

    (Optronix says nothing and cuts down Sentinel even more, leaving him broken and dying)

    Sentinel Prime: Stop. Just... finish it....

    Optronix: Give... me... your... face.

    (Optronix then tears off Sentinel's face before turning around to address the other Autobots)

    Optronix: Now... bow before OPTIMUS PRIME! [DUN DUN DUN!]

    To be continued

FEATURED CHARACTERS

    Autobots: Autotroopers, Avalon, Brawn, Dion, Elita-One, Hardhead, Huffer, Jetfire, Magnus, Old One, Optronix/Optimus Prime, Perceptor, Prowl, Ratchet, Sentinel Prime

   Decepticons: Darklight, Dirge, Ramjet, Shockwave, Shrapnel, Soundwave, Starscream, Straxus, Thundercracker, Tronion/Megatron

Star Wars Endgame: Finale, Chapter Nine

CHAPTER NINE

--The Resurgent--

    The sound of knees hitting the deck echoed across the bridge. All eyes turned to see Captain Redarn kneeling before Darth Taral, clawing at his throat as he struggled to breathe.

    "I have no patience for disobedience, captain," the Dark Lord said. "I thought I had ordered you to destroy the ship."

    "We-- we thought we had done--" Redarn choked as he tried to muster the words. "--a sufficient--job."

    "That's another thing I can not tolerate," Taral said, tightening his hold on Redarn's neck. "Incompetence. I'm sorry, captain, but an example must be made so that others may learn from your mistake."

    With the Force, Taral sealed off Redarn's windpipe completely and the captain crumpled to the floor, his eyes rolling up. Turning to the rest of the ship, Taral said, "Who is next in line of command?"

    No one said anything at first. Then, with some reluctance, a bronze-skinned human female stepped up, arms behind her back as sweat trailed down her neck. "Lieutenant Mirska is, my lord."

    "Is that right? How unfortunate, for he's presently in the medical bay for a... concussion." Taral eyed the rank insignia on the woman's uniform as he said, "What is your name, officer?"

    "Lieutenant Nadine, my lord," she replied, swallowing. "I'm... I'm next in line of command."

    "Well then, I suppose you will have to fulfill Captain Redarn's duties, at least until Lieutenant Mirska recovers." Taral started walking down the bridge, brushing past Nadine. "I'll leave things to you from here, captain. If you need me, I'll be in my quarters."

    Everyone on the bridge watched as Taral walked away. Once he was gone, the crew looked to Nadine for her first orders. After taking a moment to gather herself, Nadine signaled to two Navy troopers.

    "Please dispose of Captain Redarn here. I don't want him to stink up the bridge."

*  *  *

    As Darth Taral made his way to his personal chamber, he heard his comlink chime. Hoping that he would get some good news before the day was over, he answered it.

    "What is it?"

    "This is Odan. I've found Serpriss."

    Taral stopped dead in his tracks. Behind his mask, a grin started to form on his lips.

    Oh, this was definitely going to be good.

--Mandalore--

    "Benor? This is Goran. Do you copy? Benor, do you read me?"

    No response came. Goran cursed under his breath. He stood outside the inn, staring out into the downpour of rain.

    "I should have listened to you, Danjus," he said to the Pantoran standing nearby with the others. "If Kadar is right and this Benor is an impostor, then he could very well be a spy for Atinar."

    "What do we do now?" Mirta asked. "If Atinar finds out about us, then his followers will be upon us in no time."

    "Then we haven't got any time to lose," Danjus said. "We should get clear of here before they arrive."

    "There's still the risk of being hunted, especially if he gives Atinar our names," Kadar pointed out. "There might not be any place on Mandalore to hide."

    "Then we'll have to get off world," Orde said. "Should we go together or split up?"

    "Split up," Medrit said, though he was looking at Goran as he said it. "It would be too risky if we all went on the same ship."

    Goran nodded, looking deep in thought. "Right. We'll have to regroup on a different planet -- we'll figure that out once we're in the clear."

    "Only one problem," Danjus grunted. "I don't have a ship. Neither does Mirta."

    "My ship can hold up to eight," Kadar said. "You two can come with me."

    "Then that takes care of that." Goran donned his helmet and started to set out, Medrit at his side. "Ret'uryce mhi, and k'oyaci," he said to the others in the Mandalorian tongue, uttering a phrase the others knew all too well.

    Farewell and stay alive.

*  *  *

    Starkiller winced as he was forced onto his knees. Kylo Ren stood behind him, the deactivated hilt of his lightsaber at the back of his neck. From where he sat, Atinar Cabur stared at him with cold dark eyes, flanked by Tral Vizsla and the rest of his commandos.

    "So this is Benor Sardan," Atinar said coolly. "Funny; I could swear I've seen your face before."

    Starkiller glared up at him. "And I had hoped I'd never see your ugly mug ever again."

    Atinar let out a booming laugh, not unlike a Hutt's. "Ah, people always seem to find their humor when they're about to die."

    "If he dies, it'll be because I allow it," Kylo Ren told the self-proclaimed Mandalore icily. "He is my responsibility and mine alone."

    Atinar glowered at Kylo. "Watch where you step, Sith. As long as you're in my kingdom, you answer to--"

    Suddenly, the blade of Kylo's saber was activated and it was pointed at Atinar. Vizsla and the commandos aimed their blasters at the Knight of Ren, who was unfazed. Starkiller could feel Kylo's seething rage, but he somehow managed to keep it out of his voice.

    "I am not a Sith," Ren hissed. "Nor am I yours to command. This man is my prisoner and mine to kill if need be. His only use to you is his connection to his conspirators, and once he gives you their names, he will no longer be your burden. Are we clear on that?"

    Atinar scowled. "You don't scare me."

    "I said, are we clear on that?"

    The two men stared at each other for a long, pressing moment. Eventually, Atinar broke off from the stare-down and signaled his commandos to lower their blasters.

    "Crystal," the Mandalore muttered. Looking back down at Starkiller, he said, "Who are your fellow rebels?"

    "I'll tell you nothing," Starkiller spat.

    "Your loyalty to them is unwarranted. What could a Jedi like you possibly owe them?"

    "I'll tell you nothing," he repeated, firmer and more defiantly.

    Deactivating his saber, Kylo Ren knelt down before Starkiller, staring at him intently through his mask. "The names. You will give them to us now."

    Starkiller stared back at him, eyes filled with spite. "Never."

    Wordlessly, Kylo raised a hand to the ex-Sith's face and Starkiller immediately reacted with a flinch. Gritting his teeth, he refrained from screaming as he tried to resist the mind probe. However, every shield he put up was easily conquered by Ren and he let out a holler as the dark side user got the information he wanted from him.

    Standing up, Kylo Ren turned back to Atinar. "Goran Beviin, Medrit Vasur, Mirta Gev, Orde Kaburn, Tessa Xash, Danjus Ghen, and Kadar."

    Upon hearing the last name, Tral Vizsla visibly reacted, but remained silent, instead looking at Atinar with a questioning gaze. The Mandalore simply raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips.

    "I figured Beviin would be among them," Atinar said. "This information is most useful indeed. And where were they gathered at?"

    "Enceri."

    "Interesting." Turning to Vizsla, Atinar said, "Take a group of your men to Enceri. Bring them back alive, if possible."

    Vizsla nodded before leaving to carry out his orders. Atinar then looked at Kylo and Starkiller as he folded his arms.

    "You were of great use to us, both of you. Send Darth Taral my regards; he certainly finds efficient workers."

    Kylo Ren said nothing as he grabbed Starkiller and hauled him up to his feet, dragging him out of the room. Once they were outside and headed towards Ren's shuttle, Starkiller decided to ask the question that had been nagging at his mind since the beginning.

    "What do you want from me? Why have you been keeping me alive this long?"

    Kylo did not look at him when he answered. "I require your knowledge on Darth Vader."

    "Why? What does Vader mean to you?"

    Before Kylo could answer, they both heard a comlink buzz. The Knight of Ren picked it up and held it to his mask. "What is it?" he growled.

    "Ren, I want you to return to the fleet," the voice on the other end said.

    "I still have unfinished business here," Kylo Ren retorted. 

    "It can wait. We're heading for Ossus."

    At this, both Kylo and Starkiller froze. "You mean...?"

    "Yes. Valediction is about to begin."

END OF PART I

Star Wars Endgame: Finale, Chapter Eight

CHAPTER EIGHT

--Adega system--

    Toah Jarsan let out a sigh as his ship exited hyperspace and came before the planet of Ossus, current home of the Jedi. It hadn't been that long since he last visited Ossus, having gone there with Jaden Korr after discovering Relin Druur. But he had not encountered any of his old friends while there, having taken extra care to avoid them.

    Now, of course, he had no choice. He knew he would have a slew of questions to answer as soon as he set foot in the Jedi Temple. He was not sure if he was prepared to answer them, but he would have to nonetheless.

    As Toah directed his ship towards the planet, he suddenly sensed a dark presence. Glancing out the viewport, he saw another ship jumping out of hyperspace, heading for Ossus as well. The ship, sleek and black, bore strange markings on it. Moving his own vessel to get a better view, he saw exactly what they were.

    Sith markings.

    His eyes narrowing, Toah gripped the controls and accelerated faster towards Ossus. He knew he could not confront the ship head on, lacking proper armaments, but if he could warn the Jedi in time, perhaps he wouldn't need to....

--Ossus--

    Odan Murk frowned to himself, sitting cross-legged in the meditation chamber. His leathery, wrinkled eye lids slowly opened as he awoke from his trance, unsettlement in his eyes.

    He sensed a presence. A presence he had not felt since....

    He prodded around with the Force and his eyes went wide with shock. His heart skipped a beat.

    Master.

    Uncrossing his legs, the Weequay Jedi Master got to his feet and headed out the chamber, moving quickly with purpose.

    So it's come to this, he thought to himself. So be it then.

    Unhooking his comlink from his belt, he raised it to his lips. "This is Odan. I've found Serpriss."

    Silence at first. Then, the person on the other end said, "Where?"

    "He's just arrived here on Ossus. And I don't think he's alone."

    "What?! What is he--" There was a loud sigh. "Forget it. Just get rid of him as soon as possible."

    "But if the other Jedi notice?"

    "It won't matter. The time is nearly right. By the time they discover you, they will already have other things to worry about."

    "Understood." Odan then slowly grinned to himself. "It feels good, doesn't it? To be this close to victory."

    "Yes. Yes, it is."

*  *  *

    Anakin Solo stepped out into the gardens of the Jedi Temple, wiping the sweat and grease from his brow with a dirty rag. The humid air outside did not make him feel any cleaner, but he needed the fresh air too much to care.

    Out in the Ood Bnar Garden, he saw that he wasn't alone enjoying the peacefulness. To the left he saw the mysterious Relin Druur speaking with Masters Kam and Tionne Solusar. Just behind them, Masters Narrakar Von and Dalus Nurn were training a group of initiates in lightsaber stances and maneuvers.

    To his right, he saw a somewhat shaken Natia Dorn sitting with a concerned Sadi Karria, the latter putting a reassuring hand on the red head's shoulder. In front of them, a pair of young boys play-fought with two sticks, laughing as they pretended to slice each other's hands off.

    And then, up ahead, he saw her.

    Tahiri Veila stood alone as she admired the fluorescent flowers of the garden, her golden hair glowing in the sunlight. She wore nothing on her feet, enjoying the feel of the grass between her toes.

    Anakin hesitated to approach her. Years ago, just before the Imperial Sith War, he and Tahiri had been best friends, training together under Master Ikrit. Then the Sith attacked and Ikrit was killed while aiding the New Republic on Vinsoth. Tahiri had taken his death the hardest and she left to finish her training on Tatooine under Master V'almarok. Anakin did not see her again until after the Glorian War had ended, and even then she still seemed a bit distant.

    He wondered if he was at fault, if he had done something to push her away. If he was being honest to himself, he hadn't done much in ways of reconnecting with her; he more or less gave up after the third attempt, which had been nearly two years ago now. He also wasn't sure if the reason for why he rarely saw her was because she was avoiding him... or because he was avoiding her.

    After taking a deep breath, Anakin started walking towards Tahiri. It wasn't until he was no more than six feet away from her did she turn to look at him, her green eyes meeting his blue ones. For a pressing moment, neither said a word, each searching the other's face in an attempt to get a read on them. Eventually, Anakin couldn't take it anymore and he broke the silence.

    "Hi."

    Tahiri did not respond right away. Anakin sensed that the simple greeting had taken her aback somewhat but, to her credit, she did not let it show. Keeping her eyes on him, she said in return, "Hi."

    The awkward silence returned and Anakin was already started to hate it. Come on, Solo, he scolded himself. You're thirty-one now. You're a karkin' adult. You should know how to talk to women.

    As he fumbled for the right thing to say to her, he blurted out a generic question to stall. "How are you doing?"

    She shrugged, locks of blond hair bouncing off her shoulder. "All right, I guess. Not great, but not awful."

    "Yeah, me too." He shifted his feet, still trying to conjure up the Solo charm he should have inherited from his father. His siblings never seemed to have any problem chatting up people of the opposite sex; why did it have to skip out on him?

    Realizing that Tahiri was still waiting for him to say something else, he decided to just get to the point. "I'm sorry," he muttered.

    "For what?" she asked, an eyebrow raised.

    "For... for...." He ran a hand through his hair. Was it the humidity or his nerves that was making him sweat? "For pushing you away. Out of my life," he clarified.

    Tahiri said nothing, though the look on her face invited him to elaborate.

    "When Master Ikrit died... I should have tried to comfort you. I mean, to my recollection, I did... but I should have tried harder. Because when I saw you again on Kashyyyk after over ten years... you were a completely different person." He put a hand behind his neck, rubbing it awkwardly. "And... and I kind of blame myself for that. I... I wasn't a good friend to you when I should have been, when you needed me the most, and... I want to apologize for that."

    At first, Tahiri simply stared at him, her face difficult to read. Then, she said, "It's not your fault, Anakin."

    "Yes, it i--" Before Anakin could finish, she put a finger to his lips, suddenly closer to him than she had been earlier.

    "No, it isn't," she repeated firmly. "People change all the time, Anakin, and friends can grow apart over time. We were just not exceptions."

    "I suppose," Anakin murmured, taking Tahiri's hand into his own. "But that doesn't mean friends can't grow back together, does it?"

    "I suppose," Tahiri echoed him, looking somewhat unsure. "But can we?"

    Anakin allowed a small smile to tug at his lips. "I'm willing to try. Are you?"

    Tahiri continued to gaze up at him, still holding his hand. Then, she smiled back. "Yes. I am."

*  *  *

    "All right, you two, break it up."

    The two youthful Jedi trainees immediately broke their kiss and shot looks mixed with embarrassment and irritation at Master Noran Raun, who was leaning against the door frame.

    "This is a Jedi Temple, not a matchmaking academy," he said wryly. "If you really want time to yourselves, then book a flight to Naboo or something."

    Disgruntled, the couple moved away from the balcony they had been making out at and went back into the temple, brushing past Noran. Rolling his eyes, the Jedi Master stepped onto the balcony and leaned against the railing, staring at the forests of Ossus.

    No sooner had he done so than he heard the roar of starship engines and looked up to see two vessels appearing in the sky, both making their way for the Jedi Temple.

    Well, he thought, looks like things are about to get interesting.

Star Wars Endgame: Finale, Chapter Seven

CHAPTER SEVEN

--The Resurgent--

    Lieutenant Mirska rocked nervously on the balls of his feet as Darth Taral's shuttle docked in the hangar bay. He could not figure out why Captain Redarn had sent him to greet the Sith rather than do so himself; it wasn't as if he had pressing matters to attend on the bridge. Nonetheless, he maintained a professional stance as the shuttle's ramp lowered and Taral stormed down.

    Before Mirska could even get a word out, Taral stated, "Well? Is the ship destroyed?"

    Mirska blinked. "I... what ship, my lord?"

    "The V-wing," Taral snarled, looming threateningly over the lieutenant. "Has it been destroyed?"

    The officer swallowed before replying. "Well, the TIE fighters damaged it quite heavily--"

    "Damaged?" Taral repeated. "I said I wanted it destroyed. Obliterated. Blown to particles!"

    Mirska could feel his forehead was wet with perspiration. "Well, Captain Redarn ordered us to bring it in via tractor--"

    Before the lieutenant could finish, he found himself hovering over the deck, clawing at his neck as he struggled to breathe.

    "Where is it?" Taral growled.

    "Bay... Eleven...." Mirska croaked.

    Taral then gestured with his hand and the officer was thrown into a bulkhead. His head suffered significant trauma and he slipped into unconsciousness.

*  *  *

    Darth Taral felt himself seethe with rage as he made his way to the hanger bay, vowing that he would make an example of Redarn once he had finished off Sedriss -- if she was indeed still alive. Entering the bay, he found the burnt husk of a V-wing, surrounded by a squad of stormtroopers. The leader of the squad, who stood taller than the average trooper and wore chrome armor and a black cape with red trimming, turned to Taral and nodded in acknowledgment as he approached.

    "Is she still alive?" Taral asked, seeing the motionless Sedriss through the canopy. 

    "Initial scans indicate she is dead," Captain Phasma replied. "However, I would suggest we take her to the medical lab to be sure. Unless, of course, you'd rather make sure yourself."

    Taral stepped up to the V-wing and tore the canopy open. Looking down at Sedriss, he knew exactly what she was playing at; she had fallen into a hibernation trance, making herself appear dead to anyone but other Force-sensitives. While it was a useful ability, especially for what Sedriss was clearly planning, it had a flaw that Taral knew how to exploit.

    Stepping away from the V-wing, Taral turned back to Phasma. "Take her to the lab and have her placed in a stasis tube."

    Phasma nodded, wisely not questioning the Sith Lord's request. While she ordered the rest of her squad to work, Taral kept his gaze on Sedriss, smirking beneath his mask.

    You want to play a game then, Dark Lady? Very well: let's play.

--Mandalore--

   The man who called himself Benor Sardan tore through the forests that covered Mandalore upon his Balutar-class swoop bike. Vhe'viin rodents scurried to get out of his path while shriek-hawks monitored him from above. Already he had come out of the downpour that had rained upon Enceri and entered the starry night that graced Keldabe.

    He knew it would have only been a matter of time. Ever since Darth Taral had announced himself across intergalactic media, he had feared that he would send someone to either recruit him or kill him. Either way, he refused to endanger Goran and the others, or have them risk their lives for his sake. They knew nothing about him and would not understand what they were getting themselves into if they had insisted on accompanying him.

    This was his problem and his alone. And if it were to be his demise as well, then so be it.

    He finally entered the city of Keldabe. As he made his way to his apartment, he started to feel a strong presence in the Force. Anger and hate entered his mind; these were emotions he was familiar with, having once used them himself in a previous life. But here they felt... different. Unrestrained, almost. Like that of a uncontrolled beast.

    Slowing his swoop to a stop, he dismounted from the vehicle and moved to enter his home. Just as his hand fell over the access panel, he sensed someone standing behind him. As he turned around, he unholstered a blaster pistol and aimed it at the masked man standing behind him.

    "What do you want?" Benor Sardan asked.

    The stranger tilted his head slightly. The torn ends of his black cloak flapped in the wind. "Put away your weapon," he said through his voice-altering mask. "I mean you no harm."

    "Answer me," Benor snarled.

    "I would think the answer would be obvious. I've come for you, 'Benor Sardan.' That is what you call yourself now, isn't it?"

    "You listen to me very carefully," Benor said harshly. "I am not going back to the Sith or the Dark Jedi. I swore myself from that life years ago. If your master, your new Dark Lord, wants me, he's going to have to accept my cold dead corpse."

    "You misunderstand. I am no Sith. I am affiliated with Darth Taral, yes, but I am not one of his minions. I am of the Knights of Ren."

    "Even so, I'm sure Taral sent you."

    "Yes, but his goals further mine." The masked man took a step forward. Benor tightened his grip on the trigger. "I know who you once were. I know you once knew Darth Vader."

    There was a hitch in Benor's breathing but he kept his composure. "What does it matter to you?"

    There was a certain emphasis on the stranger's answer. "Everything."

    Benor stared at him, searching him with his hidden brown eyes. "Who are you?" he whispered.

    "My name is Kylo Ren. And I know who you are; you who have gone by many names. Sen-Axe Valan...."

    Benor started to squeeze the trigger, only to realize he couldn't move. It was as if his entire body had went rigid.

    "...Darth Stalker..."

    Benor struggled to fight back, to free himself from Kylo Ren's hold. It had been years since he had last called upon the Force, however....

    "...Starkiller...."

    The name triggered a series of images in his mind. Events of his past started to reemerge: his creation, coming out of the cloning tube, kneeling before Darth Vader, being put through the trials of a Sith apprentice, killing Juno Eclipse, gazing upon the dead form of....

    "...Galen Marek...."

    Benor's mind was assaulted by an onslaught of faces he remembered, people he once knew -- people Galen Marek knew. Darth Vader. Rahm Kota. PROXY. Juno Eclipse.

    Juno.

    A sudden, uncontrollable rage boiled within him. Giving into it, he broke free from Kylo's hold and charged towards him. Dropping the blaster, he reached behind his back and pulled out a weapon he had not used in ages.

    A lightsaber.

   Igniting its crimson blade with a snap-hiss, the man known as Starkiller swung it at Kylo, who blocked it with his own blade. It took Starkiller a moment to realize that Ren's lightsaber was unlike most. Besides its crackling, unstable red blade, it also bore a pair of energy quillons on the sides of the hilt, forming the appearance of a crossguard. To Starkiller's knowledge, such a design had not been used since the Sith Wars.

    The former Sith broke off from the saber lock and swung again at Kylo, aiming for his head. The Knight of Ren raised his blade to deflect it, then again to block an attack to the shoulder. The two continued to parry, each countering the other's moves. The sound of lightsabers clashing started to echo throughout Keldabe, waking a good part of the city and attracting the attention of several Mandalorian civilians. 

    Dozens watched as the warriors dueled, awed by the sight of a Mandalorian wielding a lightsaber. To many it was considered heresy, given the harsh relationship the Mandalorians had had with the Jedi throughout history. However, no one dared intervene in the fight simply for their beliefs.

    It quickly became evident to Starkiller that he and Kylo were an even match. The crossguard of the latter's lightsaber provided sufficient protection from Starkiller's attacks, and the former Sith's unpredictable fighting style effectively countered Ren's aggressive assault.

    Just as Starkiller readied his blade for another attack, Kylo suddenly reached out a hand and used the Force to stop his blade as it came close to his masked face. Gritting his teeth, Starkiller struggled to push against the invisible hold on him, but to no avail. Kylo then gestured with his hand and Starkiller went staggering back, disoriented. Before he could recompose himself, Ren lunged and swung his saber at the ex-Sith's weapon arm. The fiery blade cut through just above his iron gauntlet and Starkiller screamed as his forearm and lightsaber dropped to the ground. 

    As the former apprentice of Vader collapsed to his knees, Kylo Ren strode forward and took a hold of his helmet, roughly pulling it off. Baleful eyes greeted him, glowing yellow with the dark side. Sheathing his blade, Kylo knelt down and stared at Starkiller through his opaque visor.

    "Now then... where were we?"